The Importance of WildlifeWednesday, November 30, 2005
By: Chris Kelly

The Importance of Wildlife

The Importance of Wildlife

Why is wildlife important to me? I can't imagine this topic NOT being important to anyone. I know the conservative Christian groups are out there saying "why don't you environmentalists help PEOPLE?" These folks are the same ones who never consider that the more species we eradicate, the closer we come to being extinct ourselves, and that if something is not done about pollution and CO2 levels soon, there will be no oxygen to breath. All wildlife needs a voice, not just endangered species. If nothing is done about the amount of development and deforestation, all species will be endangered.
Here in Colorado, I am called a tree hugger. The wealthy citizens of Crested Butte are all excited about the possibility of developing Snodgrass Mountain so that there can be more variety added to their precious ski area. I wonder if the lynx families there would share the enthusiasm? Or the foxes? Or the Elk? Are we such a selfish society that we never consider who was living where first?
I don't mean to rant insanely and write choppily, but WHY is wildlife important? Because us, the humans, are not the only ones who inhabit this planet, but if we keep treating our home like we are the only ones with any rights, nothing will get the priviledge to live here.